Lapwing or Peewit numbers fallen

The lapwing, or peewit as it is also known is a striking bird with its black and white markings and head crest. This was once a familiar farmland bird, but numbers have fallen dramatically by as much as 80 % in the last 40 years due to loss of habitat and changes in agricultural practices.

The Hiraethog Conservation & Landscape Project, together with project partners Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, the Countryside Council for Wales, and RSPB will be coordinating a survey of lapwing in the Hiraethog project area.

It is hoped that habitats preferred by breeding lapwing can be improved through grant work in partnership with local landowners. Aid towards rush cutting, creation of scrapes or shallow ponds to attract insects will be available. The survey information will be vital in helping to target funds in areas where the birds are nesting.

Hiraethog Project Officer, Elaine Reynolds said: "This is a unique opportunity to increase the population of lapwings in the area. We are hopeful that landowners will take up the grants on offer, once we have targeted the best locations."

CCW Conservation Officer Simon Hugheston-Roberts said: “It’s important that we can see how the lapwing is getting on in the project area. Once this is established appropriate habitat management can be targeted towards restoring this once common sight is to our countryside. But this is a labour-intensive process and that’s why we must appeal for the help of volunteers to ensure that this important survey work is carried out.”